Bristol in pictures: Not long to go now...

As Bristol gets ready to celebrate Christmas, here is our penultimate round-up of images from across the city for this year.

It's pantomime season at our theatres, with varied productions for everyone's tastes - oh yes there are.

The lights on our charity houses continue to sparkle, but during daylight hours, the sun has shown itself now and again for those who want to get out in the fresh air.

And in one animal shelter, the staff are preparing to look after the four-legged friends looking for a new home.

Worth another look: Let's once again take in the glory of the Brailsford house in Brentry, which lights up every year to raise money for the Wallace and Gromit Grand Appeal which helps sick children.

Festive theatre: A re-imagination of Hans Christian Andersen's fairytale The Little Mermaid is this year's Christmas show at Bristol Old Vic, running until 11 January.

Meanwhile across town at the Bristol Hippodrome, they're laying on Goldilocks and the Three Bears until 5 January. Oh yes they are!

Late drama: Promise Omochere scored an 86th-minute equaliser as Bristol Rovers took on high-flying Wrexham at the Memorial Stadium, a late boost for fans waiting to see who the club's next manager will be.

Urban paradise: Manor Woods is a green space running alongside Hartcliffe Way, a haven for dog walkers and wildlife in the heart of south Bristol's urban sprawl.

A dog is for life: Staff at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre are preparing for Christmas, when they will be caring for animals like this mastiff called Dennis, who they describe as a "gentle giant". Like many animals at the centre, he just needs a home.

Let the game begin: Players from Bristol City and Durham take to the pitch at Ashton Gate ahead of the Barclays Women's Championship match between the two, which ended in a thumping 5-0 win for City.

A festive feast: Workers at Southmead, from doctors and nurses to ambulance and emergency crews will all be working hard over the festive season.

And spare a thought for the kitchen staff who will be cooking 2,000 Christmas dinners - that's 40 turkeys, 80kg of vegetables and 1,000 pigs in blankets.